Spaced Repetition Checklist
System Setup
Selected appropriate spaced repetition system (digital app or physical system)
Configured settings for optimal intervals (if using digital system)
Created organization structure for different subjects/topics
Set up backup system for digital tools
Established regular review times in daily schedule
Created tracking mechanism for review completion
Set up notification system for scheduled reviews
For Digital Systems (Anki, Quizlet, etc.)
Installed application on all relevant devices
Set up synchronization between devices
Customized scheduling algorithm if needed
Learned basic functionality and keyboard shortcuts
Explored available shared decks for relevant topics
Set up statistics tracking to monitor progress
Configured backup settings to prevent data loss
For Physical Systems (Leitner Box, etc.)
Created appropriate number of boxes/sections
Labeled boxes with review intervals
Established clear system for card movement between boxes
Created calendar for box rotation schedule
Prepared method for tracking card progress
Set up storage solution for growing card collection
Established maintenance routine for physical materials
Content Creation
Broke complex topics into discrete, atomic cards
Created clear, unambiguous questions/prompts
Included complete but concise answers
Added context where necessary for clarity
Incorporated images/diagrams where helpful
Created bidirectional cards where appropriate
Added source references for further review
Included application questions, not just facts
Created cards during initial learning, not after
Review Process
Attempted recall before checking answer
Honestly assessed recall quality (don’t peek)
Provided appropriate difficulty rating after each review
Added notes or clarifications to difficult cards
Revised poorly worded or confusing cards
Completed all scheduled reviews before adding new cards
Maintained focus during review sessions
Elaborated on answers beyond basic recall
Scheduling Optimization
Limited new cards to manageable daily amount
Balanced review load across days
Scheduled reviews during optimal focus times
Adjusted intervals for high-priority information
Modified intervals based on performance patterns
Scheduled more frequent reviews before important events
Created “cramming” filtered decks for urgent needs
Maintenance and Optimization
Regularly reviewed statistics to identify problem cards
Reworded or reformatted consistently difficult cards
Archived or suspended cards no longer needed
Merged related decks when appropriate
Split overly large decks into logical sub-decks
Updated cards with new information as learned
Periodically exported/backed up card database
Reviewed and refined tagging/organization system
Combining with Other Techniques
Integrated with retrieval practice strategies
Connected to concept mapping for relationships
Linked to detailed notes for complex topics
Combined with “teaching” technique for difficult concepts
Used interleaving to mix different topics
Applied memory techniques for challenging content
Incorporated visual imagery for abstract concepts
Added elaborative interrogation (why/how questions)
Overcoming Common Challenges
Prepared strategy for catching up after missed days
Developed approach for managing overwhelming review loads
Created plan for maintaining motivation during plateaus
Established method for handling very difficult cards
Prepared techniques for focusing during review sessions
Developed strategy for reviewing while traveling
Created approach for balancing new learning vs. review